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Directions: Click "Question:" to view the complete questions. Click "Answer:" to view the answer. Click the "Question:" or "Answer:" again to collapse them back down.

Question:
Do you practice in your church the sinners prayer?
- Dear Sir,
- Do you practice in your church the sinners prayer and urge people to walk up the aisle to be saved?
Answer:
(click here to see the answer)
1. Dear Tony,
2. No, I do not practice the sinner's prayer. I ask them to raise their hand if they would like to talk to me about their salvation. When they raise their hand, in the sight of everyone, I ask them to come with me into a counseling room. I show the plan of salvation to them again. I answer any questions that they have. I ask them, usually at that point, if they would like to trust in Christ as their savior.
3. In Christ,
4. Bob Hill
Question:
Women Preachers?
- My wife attends Intersession Episcopal church. I just found out they now have a female 'priest'. During our discussion of this change I was also told she is preaching open acceptance of homosexuals. Since nothing like this has ever come up before, there was never a strong reason to discuss their doctrine. I just assumed, I guess, that they were as they claimed... Christians. But needless to say, I'm apalled to think my children will be exposed to a 'christenized whore-house' (sorry if those are strong words but that's how I think about where my babies will attend Sunday-school now!!!).
- I always thought women weren't even supposed to be in the pulpit, let alone preaching the way of the world as though it were Christianity! Am I wrong or are they supposed to be 'priests'?
- Thank you for your time and attention to this question.
Answer:
(click here to see the answer)
1. Dear Sir,
2. The concepts on headship, which eventually are reiterated for the church, start right after Adam and Eve sinned. Gen 3:16 "To the woman He said: 'I will greatly multiply your sorrow and your conception; In pain you shall bring forth children; Your desire shall be for your husband, And he shall rule over you.'" This idea is referred to when God inspired Paul to write 1 Co 11:3,8,9 "But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. 8 For man is not from woman, but woman from man. 9 Nor was man created for the woman, but woman for the man." We also see that it affects the relationship in marriage. We must always see God's emphasis of love in this relationship though, since He commands the husband to love his wife as Christ loves the church.
3. Women tend to look at something in God's word emotionally. They see what it says, but sometimes, driven by our culture, they think they know better. Like woman's place in the church. Because of our culture, our women feel they should be more in control, but God's word is black and white."
4. Unfortunately, our culture drives our theology. In our time, the feminist agenda has had a great effect on the church. When women assume roles in the home or the church which are not proper, there seems to be a greater disposition toward unscriptural behavior. Another problem arises when men who have homes that are not in spiritual order are in leadership. Ephesians 5 clearly teaches that the husband has authority in the home. The general is not better than the private, but he has greater authority. So, the husband is called by God to imitate Jesus Christ in his love for his wife. The proper, loving exercise of this authority in an orderly home is a key criteria for eldership in 1 Ti 3:4,5. The structure of authority in the church therefore is built upon the structure of the home. It enhances, complements and reflects the home.
5. To reverse authority in the church whereby the wife would be an elder over her husband would have been unthinkable to the apostles. Is there a reason for this role distinction beyond teaching our children proper role models in their authority relationships? Yes there is, and it is connected with that age old problem of deception. A man who rules his home well is less likely to succumb to deception. 1 Ti 2:11-14 gives further light on this subject of deception. "Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. 12 And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression."
6. An article was published about verse 12 by Catherine Kroeger in The Reformed Journal, in March 1978. She dealt with the word auqentein, to have authority over. After doing some very questionable word studies ignoring linguistics, she arrived at this conclusion. If the word was translated correctly according to her word studies, then the translation, "I forbid a woman to teach or engage in fertility practices with a man' would imply that the woman should not involve a man in the heretical kind of Christianity which taught licentious behavior as one of its doctrines." But all the contemporary literature which gives the meaning of this word gives the meaning with the genitive, "have authority over someone."
7. The grammatical construction and context does not agree with Catherine's interpretive translation. In fact, the six volume The New Testament Greek-English Dictionary, World Library Press, has an extensive article on this word. Included is this statement: "A fourth view presented by Catherine Kroeger ("Ancient Heresies," p.13) and recently adopted by Barbara Cook (Ordinary Woman, pp.164-178), states that authenteo refers to involvement in fertility practices and the activity of cultic priestesses in Ephesus. Douglas Moo's response is that such a usage of the term is "nowhere attested in the Classical and Hellenistic period" (Moo, "1 Timothy 2:11-15: Meaning and Significance," p.67). This interpretation is based on the fallacy that a word must mean the same as its cognates. A recent article (1984) by George Knight ("Authenteo in Reference to Women") thoroughly analyzes the occurrences of authenteo, and shows that in its earliest uses (First Century B.C. to Second Century A.D.) it means simply "to have authority." "The authority in view in the documents is understood to be a positive concept and is in no way regarded as having any overtones of misuse of position or power, i.e., 'to domineer'" (pp.150-151). . . . Paul did not permit women in Ephesus to have authority of any sort over men. The problem at Ephesus was that many influential women were being persuaded by false teachers and were "going about from house to house . . . saying things they ought not to" (1 Timothy 5:13, NIV). In 2:11 Paul exhorted these women to learn and be in full submission. These two injunctions exactly parallel the prohibitions "to teach" and "to have authority" in verse 12."
8. Paul is teaching that a woman should not teach or have authority over a man. He then gives us the reason, the structure of the creation order. Adam was formed, then Eve. Eve was given as his helper and partner. Authority vested in man is as old as creation. It is not the result of the fall, although the wrong exercise of authority resulted in the fall. Further, woman was first deceived. What's the point in saying this? Woman is called the weaker vessel in 1 Peter 3:7, "Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered." But they are only weaker in certain respects. She was deceived because of this weakness. Paul is speaking of a general principle. I think it is a woman's greater sensitivity to relationships and spiritual things which also makes her more vulnerable to being deceived. That seems to be why satan chose to tempt her rather than Adam. Positively, because of a woman's greater sensitivity to relationships and spiritual things, women make up a greater proportion of all the congregations I have ever been in. But, again, this sensitivity predisposes them to emotional and spiritual influences of good and evil. I think that is what 2 Ti 3:6-7 alludes to, "For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, 7 always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth."
9. Men, with more of a tendency to be tough minded and questioning, are less apt to receive a spiritual blessing but also less likely to be deceived. Consequently, God gives men who prove themselves in family leadership the authority to protect and lead the church. This is validated further when we look at the confusion in Corinth. The church was in a state of confusion. Apparently the church was under poor leadership. In the midst of a statement about order in the church, Paul speaks about the order in all the churches.
10. In 1 Co 14:33b-37 he speaks about this matter of authority. "As in all the churches of the saints, 34 let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says. 35 And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is shameful for women to speak in church. 36 Or did the word of God come originally from you? Or was it you only that it reached? 37 If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord."
11. You're the man of the house. I would suggest that you lovingly speak to your wife about this issue and lead your family to another church which is more biblical in its doctrine.
12. In Christ,
13. Bob Hill
Question:
What is going to happen to these kinds of churches and people?
- This concerns me a lot. Many places you look, articles you read, people you talk to, talk about the churches, what the people in the churches did to them. I know we are the church, but my question is do you know how difficult it is to go to the right church, to be able to know, that the pastor is really called? Don’t you think there is going to be a change in going to church. Churches I don’t say all. But a lot are corrupt, and take many people with them to be corrupt. They do not do what the bible tells them, they do whatever they like. This is something I struggle with, cause it hurts me to see so many people I this religious web. Is there something going to happen.
- Anita lourens,
- Thank you
Answer:
(click here to see the answer)
1. Dear Anita,
2. There will be a judgment by God, and these “pastors” you are asking about are going to stand before God in judgment if they themselves are not saved. If they happen to be saved like in the context of 1 Co 3:9-17: “For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building. 10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. 11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. 14 If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. 16 Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? 17 If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.”, then they will not have any inheritance in heaven.
3. In Christ,
4. Bob Hill
Question:
1 Ti 2:4 & 1 Co 14 concerning women.
- Thank you for the answer to my last question. I have a few more questions, on a totally different subject. I am a woman (my name kind of confuses people, so I thought I'd better make that clear).In my church we have a Bible study on Sunday nights, where our preacher teaches us, he allows us to ask questions that he then answers. The women are allowed to ask questions, is that okay? Or should we only ask questions to our husbands?? My husband is a Christian, but he is a new Christian, and my questions tend to confuse him.
- Another question: Are women supposed to have long hair?? Or does it matter as much now? This has always concerned me (I have pretty short hair).
- And lastly, does the word "men" in 1 Timothy 2:4, mean everyone? Does "men" in the Bible not always mean just the gender, but the human race (depending on the context, of course)?I have really appreciated your website and look forward to your answer on these questions.
- Love in Christ,
- Dusti
Answer:
(click here to see the answer)
1. Dear Dusti,
2. You have just asked me one of the most difficult questions to answer. When we completely rewrote our constitution years ago, that issue was the biggest problem we had. We all wanted to do what God wanted us to do. With the women voting, every vote was 100%. We voted that they should be totally silent. Then we all voted that they could do this, then, that, until we all were very frustrated.
3. Here is what we finally ended up with in our constitution:
4. ARTICLE VI MEETINGS
5. 1. The annual business meeting of this church shall be held in January.
6. 2. Special business meetings of this church may be called at any time if notice is given at the Sunday morning service preceding the meeting. If the business for which the meeting is called involves consideration of large amounts of money or the pastoral relationship, notice of the business to be conducted shall be given two Sundays in advance.
7. 3. A quorum shall consist of those members present.
8. 4. Roberts Rules of Order, Revised, shall be the basis for procedure of all congregational business meetings unless otherwise stated in this constitution and by-laws.
9. 5. Women shall be silent during the exposition of the scriptures to the assembly [In our case, this is the morning worship service.]. Women shall not teach or have authority over a man (1 Ti 2:12). We understand this whole issue to be a matter of authority. She may teach children through senior high and ladies. She may take part in Bible studies, care groups, Sunday school classes and the services except as noted (1 Co 14:34,35 and context; 1 Ti 2:11-15; 1 Co 11:1-16).
10. I'm glad that Christianity holds women in high regard. Phoebe was actually a deacon in Cenchrea. Here's the passage. Rom 16:1-2 "I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant (Greek diakonas) of the church in Cenchrea, 2 that you may receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and assist her in whatever business she has need of you; for indeed she has been a helper of many and of myself also."
11. The Bible as a whole has nothing in it that is rescinded, but some things are for one dispensation and not for another. This subject is not one of them. So, what do the Scriptures say? The concepts on headship, which eventually are reiterated for the church, start right after Adam and Eve sinned. Gen 3:16 "To the woman He said: 'I will greatly multiply your sorrow and your conception; In pain you shall bring forth children; Your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you.'" This idea is referred to when God inspired Paul to write 1 Co 11:3,8,9 "But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. 8 For man is not from woman, but woman from man. 9 Nor was man created for the woman, but woman for the man." We also see that it affects the relationship in marriage. We must always see God's emphasis of love in this relationship, though, since He commands the husband to love his wife as Christ loves the church. That's a lot of love all the time. Eph 5:22,24,33 "Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 24 Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. 33 Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband."
12. He also wrote similarly in Col 3:18 "Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord." Even in the circumcision epistle of 1 Pe 3:1,5,6 it says, "Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, 5 For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands, 6 as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror."
13. When it comes to God's principles for leadership in the church, it is very explicit. In 1 Co 14:33b-37, it says, "As in all the churches of the saints, 34 let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says. 35 And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is shameful for women to speak in church. [We take this to mean during the preaching.] 36 Or did the word of God come originally from you? Or was it you only that it reached? 37 If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord." Further, in 1 Ti 2:8-14, it says, "I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting; 9 in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, 10 but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works. 11 Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. 12 And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression."
14. This epistle was written to Timothy to tell him how to oversee the churches in the Roman province of Asia. This was the second to last epistle that God inspired Paul to write. Paul wrote in 1 Ti 3:14,15, "These things I write to you, though I hope to come to you shortly; 15 but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
15. Gen 6:1-6 has an interesting statement about what I believe were the fallen angels who were trying to pollute the whole human race so Christ could not be born to redeem man. I believe the sons of God are the fallen angels. Anyway, this is what it says: "Now it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born to them, 2 that the sons of God saw the daughters of men, that they were beautiful; and they took wives for themselves of all whom they chose. 3 And the LORD said, 'My Spirit shall not strive with man forever, for he is indeed flesh; yet his days shall be one hundred and twenty years.' 4 There were giants on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of men and they bore children to them. Those were the mighty men who were of old, men of renown. 5 Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. 6 And the LORD was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart." Later, when God inspired Paul to address some more man and woman issues, I think He had Paul write this about women having a covering-which I think is long hair. 1 Co 11:2-16 "Now I praise you, brethren, that you remember me in all things and keep the traditions just as I delivered them to you. 3 But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. 4 Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonors his head. 5 But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, for that is one and the same as if her head were shaved. 6 For if a woman is not covered, let her also be shorn. But if it is shameful for a woman to be shorn or shaved, let her be covered. 7 For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man. 8 For man is not from woman, but woman from man. 9 Nor was man created for the woman, but woman for the man. 10 For this reason the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels. 11 Nevertheless, neither is man independent of woman, nor woman independent of man, in the Lord. 12 For as woman came from man, even so man also comes through woman; but all things are from God. 13 Judge among yourselves. Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered? 14 Does not even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him? 15 But if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her; for her hair is given to her for a covering. 16 But if anyone seems to be contentious, we have no such custom, nor do the churches of God.
16. When giving the standards for bishops, lit. overseers, it shows that overseers are men. 1 Ti 3:1-7 "This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work. 2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; 3 not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; 4 one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence 5 (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?); 6 not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. 7 Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil."
17. When we look at all of this Scripture, we can see that God's word does not fit in our liberal society. That puts us in a dilemma. Who should we let influence us, God or man? When it says, "Your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you; the head of woman is man; Wives, submit to your own husbands; let the wife see that she respects her husband; Let a woman learn in silence with all submission; I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence; obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed; Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord; Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says; And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; it is shameful for women to speak in church", we must obey God.
18. My sweetheart of 46 years said it well once - I wrote it down. "We women look at something in God's word emotionally. We see what it says, but we think we know better. Like woman's place in the church. Because of our culture, our women feel they should be more in control - but God's word is black and white."
19. 1 Ti 2:14,15 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression. 15 Nevertheless But (de), she will be saved through the child bearing if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control [reasonableness, rationality, mental soundness, good judgment, moderation; Esp. as a feminine virtue decency, chastity].
20. This is an extremely difficult verse to understand. However, with other commentators, I think it means the following. She will be saved [through the child bearing] refers to Eve as the representative of all women. "Through the child bearing" refers to the future - from Eve's viewpoint - child bearing of Messiah by Mary. The singular, "She will be saved", then is distributed to all women - maybe the whole human race - by the plural, "if they continue in faith". Since the time from Eve to the time that Paul wrote this covered many dispensations and different methods of receiving salvation, the generic phrase, "if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control", is used without really messing up the unique teaching of the dispensation of grace.
21. Woman's inferior position in verses 10-13 is remedied by this passage which shows her great contribution. 10-13 "but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works. Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence. For Adam was formed first, then Eve". She may not be allowed to teach or be in authority over a man, but she will have great influence in begetting the Messiah specifically and in raising the children in general.
22. Unfortunately, our culture drives our theology. In our time, the feminist agenda has had a great effect on the church. I like your attitude. But let's look at the attitudes that others have about women in the home and church. Over the years, there has been a history of deception in the church. Many cultic like groups have been formed. By no means have they all been started by women. However, when women assume roles in the home or the church which are not proper, there seems to be a greater disposition toward unscriptural behavior.
23. Another problem arises when men representing a home that is not in spiritual order are in leadership. Ephesians 5 clearly teaches that the husband has authority in the home. The general is not better than the private, but he has greater authority. So, the husband is called by God to imitate Jesus Christ in his love for his wife. The proper, loving exercise of this authority in an orderly home is a key criteria for eldership in 1 Ti 3:4,5. The structure of authority in the church therefore is built upon the structure of the home. It enhances, complements and reflects the home.
24. To reverse authority in the church whereby the wife would be an elder over her husband would have been unthinkable to the apostles. Is there a reason for this role distinction beyond teaching our children proper role models in their authority relationships? I believe there is, and it is connected with that age old problem of deception. A man who rules his home well is less likely to succumb to deception. 1 Ti 2:11-14 gives further light on this subject of deception. "Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. 12 And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression."
25. Paul did not permit women in Ephesus to have authority of any sort over men. The problem at Ephesus was that many influential women were being persuaded by false teachers and were "going about from house to house . . . saying things they ought not to" (1 Ti 5:13, NIV). In 2:11 Paul exhorted these women to learn and be in full submission. These two injunctions exactly parallel the prohibitions "to teach" and "to have authority" in verse 12."
26. Paul is teaching that a woman should not teach or have authority over a man. He then gives us the reason, the structure of the creation order. Adam was formed, then Eve. Eve was given as his helper and partner. Authority vested in man is as old as creation. It is not the result of the fall, although the wrong exercise of authority resulted in the fall.
27. Further, woman was first deceived. What's the point in saying this? Woman is called the weaker vessel in 1 Peter 3:7, "Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered." But they are only weaker in certain respects. She was deceived because of this weakness. Paul is speaking of a general principle.
28. I think it is a woman's greater sensitivity to relationships and spiritual things which also makes her more vulnerable to being deceived. That seems to be why Satan chose to tempt her rather than Adam.
29. Positively, because of a woman's greater sensitivity to relationships and spiritual things, women make up a greater proportion of all the congregations I have ever been in except my church. But, again, this sensitivity predisposes them to emotional and spiritual influences of good and evil. I think that is what 2 Tim 3:6-7 alludes to, "For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, 7 always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth."
30. Right from the beginning, God established authority in the family. In Genesis 3:16 He said, "I will greatly multiply your sorrow and your conception; In pain you shall bring forth children; Your desire shall be for your husband, And he shall rule over you." Paul seems to appeal to this statement in 1 Co 14:34, "as the law also says."
31. Authority was already established in this epistle in 1 Co 11:3-16. "But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. 4 Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonors his head. 5 But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, for that is one and the same as if her head were shaved. 6 For if a woman is not covered, let her also be shorn. But if it is shameful for a woman to be shorn or shaved, let her be covered. 7 For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man. 8 For man is not from woman, but woman from man. 9 Nor was man created for the woman, but woman for the man. 10 For this reason the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels. 11 Nevertheless, neither is man independent of woman, nor woman independent of man, in the Lord. 12 For as woman came from man, even so man also comes through woman; but all things are from God. 13 Judge among yourselves. Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered? 14 Does not even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him? 15 But if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her; for her hair is given to her for a covering. 16 But if anyone seems to be contentious, we have no such custom, nor do the churches of God." Therefore, I do think you should grow your hair longer, but I don't know how long.
32. Men, with more of a tendency to be tough minded and questioning, are less apt to receive a spiritual blessing but also less likely to be deceived. Consequently, God gives men who prove themselves in family leadership the authority to protect and lead the church. This is validated further when we look at the confusion in Corinth. The church was in a state of confusion. Apparently the church was under poor leadership. In the midst of a statement about order in the church, Paul speaks about the order in all the churches.
33. In 1 Co 14:33b-37 he speaks about this matter of authority. "As in all the churches of the saints, 34 let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says. 35 And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is shameful for women to speak in church. 36 Or did the word of God come originally from you? Or was it you only that it reached? 37 If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord." But in a Bible study that is not a church service, I don't think this biblical material I've covered applies.
34. But what about the attitude of men towards women in the home and church? I think Christian men still have anything but the attitude that God wants them to have. God may not want women to be in authority, but He surely wants us to esteem them highly in 1 Pe 3:7: "dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered".
35. Instead of having the wives/women wait on the men at home and at church, the men should take the initiative and display their love to them in creative ways. Principles of Ephesians 5 should apply in church and home. But how is this done? Men must change their attitudes. They must think love, and must act on those thoughts. I believe men should pray about how they should act to all the women in their congregations and show them love.
36. In regards to 1 Tim 2:4, [w's are omegas in Greek - anthrwpos in the plural may be used for men and women.] which I'll quote in context from the NKJV, is contrasted with [anayr], which refers only to men: 1 Tim 2:1-13 Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men [plural, anthrwpwn], 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men [This is certainly the human race. plural, anthrwpous] to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men [plural, anthrwpwn], the Man [singular, anthrwpos] Christ Jesus, 6 who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time, 7 for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle -- I am speaking the truth in Christ and not lying -- a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. 8 I desire therefore that the men [plural of anayr, tous andras] pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting; 9 in like manner also, that the women [plural, tas gunaikas] adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, 10 but, which is proper for women [gunay is singular of woman, plural is gunaixin] professing godliness, with good works. 11 Let a woman [gunay] learn in silence with all submission. 12 And I do not permit a woman [gunaiki, dative singular of gunay] to teach or to have authority over a man [andros is genitive singular of anayr], but to be in silence. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve.
37. Love in Christ,
38. Bob Hill
Question:
Receiving Christians into the local fellowship - How do people join your church?
- Is there a Biblical pattern for receiving Christians into the local fellowship? How do people join your church? We have been growing and this question has arisen lately and all I find is letters of recommentation for those sent by the apostle Paul. Please help.
- In Christ,
- Rodney
Answer:
(click here to see the answer)
1. Dear Rodney,
2. Here is the article from our constitution on your question. We spent a lot of time on this 25 years ago and haven’t changed it since.
3. ARTICLE V MEMBERSHIP Anyone who confesses his trust in Jesus Christ as his personal savior and attends church services regularly shall be considered a member of this assembly. Voting members shall be at least eighteen years old. The elders shall determine the membership status of questionable cases subject to appeal to the congregation. Anyone accused of sins covered in the following scriptures shall be investigated and dealt with according to the principles in these same scriptures. Mat 18:15-17; 1 Co 5&6; Gal 6:1-6; 2 Th 3:6-15.
4. In Christ,
5. Bob Hill
Question:
Should christians be in authority?
- Dear Bob,
- I've been a believer for a couple of years and I go to an anabaptist church which believes that christians shouldn't be in authority. This is mainly centered around the fact that you might have to kill someone I think. The verses they use to defend themselves are Matthew 22:21, Luke 3:14, Romans 13:1-10, I Timothy 2:1-2, Hebrews 12:14, James 5:12 and I Peter 2:12-14.
- I believe contrary to these beliefs but I'm having a hard time defending myself. If you they are to go by these verses, then it means that christians shouldn't be in authority at all. Therefore saying that there could never be a christian nation essentially. They say that our kingdom is in heaven and not here. Which I agree with, but I still think "as on earth as it is in heaven" could be applied.
- I've looked at your site and also at Bob Enyart's site, but I couldn't find any defense for christians in authority that execute judgement or are in positions of power. I definately found capital punishment support in the new testament, but nothing about christians carrying out this judgement. Logically I think I could defend myself, but I don't have much scripture to back it up. Have you written anything that could help me? Thank you.
- James Gosnell
Answer:
(click here to see the answer)
1. Dear James,
2. The Roman empire dominated the world at the time of Christ. Christianity was being persecuted. Christians would have great difficulty even getting into a position of authority let alone having the ability to execute someone. In contrast, when Israel was God’s nation, in the OT, He ordered death as in Num 15:32-36 “Now while the children of Israel were in the wilderness, they found a man gathering sticks on the Sabbath day. 33 And those who found him gathering sticks brought him to Moses and Aaron, and to all the congregation. 34 They put him under guard, because it had not been explained what should be done to him. 35 Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘The man must surely be put to death; all the congregation shall stone him with stones outside the camp.’ 36 So, as the LORD commanded Moses, all the congregation brought him outside the camp and stoned him with stones, and he died.”
3. When I read the Scripture passages they use to defend themselves, I don’t see anything that precludes a Christian being in authority.
4. In Mat 22:21 They said to Him, “Caesar’s.” And He said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”, Christ was fed up with their hypocrisy. He asked them “Whose image and inscription is this?” Their response was the 21st verse.
5. Similarly, the context of Luke 3:14 shows Christ’s response to the tax collectors. He didn’t tell them not to utilize their authority, but to use it fairly: Lk 3:12,13 Then tax collectors also came to be baptized, and said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?” 13 And he said to them, “Collect no more than what is appointed for you.” Luke 3:14 Likewise the soldiers asked him, saying, “And what shall we do?” So he said to them, “Do not intimidate anyone or accuse falsely, and be content with your wages.” Again, fairness and honesty is the thing Christ emphaaizes.
6. I see no admonition from the Lord not to be a governing authority. Rom 13:1-10 Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.2 Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same.4 For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.5 Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake.6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing.7 Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor. 8 Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.9 For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not bear false witness,” “You shall not covet,” and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”10 Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
7. 1 Ti 2:1,2 “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.” Here, again, there is no command to the saints not to be a governing authority. I see only an admonition to pray for those who are in authority.
8. Heb 12:14 “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.”, is an admonition to pursue peace. Those in authority would have a better chance of maintaining peace.
9. James 5:12-14 But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath. But let your “Yes,” be “Yes,” and your “No,” “No,” lest you fall into judgment. 13 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms.14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.
10. I find, not one shred of evidence against Christians being in positions of authority.
11. In Christ,
12. Bob Hill
Question:
Women Preachers?
- My wife attends Intersession Episcopal church. I just found out they now have a female 'priest'. During our discussion of this change I was also told she is preaching open acceptance of homosexuals. Since nothing like this has ever come up before, there was never a strong reason to discuss their doctrine. I just assumed, I guess, that they were as they claimed... Christians. But needless to say, I'm apalled to think my children will be exposed to a 'christenized whore-house' (sorry if those are strong words but that's how I think about where my babies will attend Sunday-school now!!!).
- I always thought women weren't even supposed to be in the pulpit, let alone preaching the way of the world as though it were Christianity! Am I wrong or are they supposed to be 'priests'?
- Thank you for your time and attention to this question.
Answer:
(click here to see the answer)
1. Dear Sir,
2. The concepts on headship, which eventually are reiterated for the church, start right after Adam and Eve sinned. Gen 3:16 "To the woman He said: 'I will greatly multiply your sorrow and your conception; In pain you shall bring forth children; Your desire shall be for your husband, And he shall rule over you.'" This idea is referred to when God inspired Paul to write 1 Co 11:3,8,9 "But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. 8 For man is not from woman, but woman from man. 9 Nor was man created for the woman, but woman for the man." We also see that it affects the relationship in marriage. We must always see God's emphasis of love in this relationship though, since He commands the husband to love his wife as Christ loves the church.
3. Women tend to look at something in God's word emotionally. They see what it says, but sometimes, driven by our culture, they think they know better. Like woman's place in the church. Because of our culture, our women feel they should be more in control, but God's word is black and white."
4. Unfortunately, our culture drives our theology. In our time, the feminist agenda has had a great effect on the church. When women assume roles in the home or the church which are not proper, there seems to be a greater disposition toward unscriptural behavior. Another problem arises when men who have homes that are not in spiritual order are in leadership. Ephesians 5 clearly teaches that the husband has authority in the home. The general is not better than the private, but he has greater authority. So, the husband is called by God to imitate Jesus Christ in his love for his wife. The proper, loving exercise of this authority in an orderly home is a key criteria for eldership in 1 Ti 3:4,5. The structure of authority in the church therefore is built upon the structure of the home. It enhances, complements and reflects the home.
5. To reverse authority in the church whereby the wife would be an elder over her husband would have been unthinkable to the apostles. Is there a reason for this role distinction beyond teaching our children proper role models in their authority relationships? Yes there is, and it is connected with that age old problem of deception. A man who rules his home well is less likely to succumb to deception. 1 Ti 2:11-14 gives further light on this subject of deception. "Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. 12 And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression."
6. An article was published about verse 12 by Catherine Kroeger in The Reformed Journal, in March 1978. She dealt with the word auqentein, to have authority over. After doing some very questionable word studies ignoring linguistics, she arrived at this conclusion. If the word was translated correctly according to her word studies, then the translation, "I forbid a woman to teach or engage in fertility practices with a man' would imply that the woman should not involve a man in the heretical kind of Christianity which taught licentious behavior as one of its doctrines." But all the contemporary literature which gives the meaning of this word gives the meaning with the genitive, "have authority over someone."
7. The grammatical construction and context does not agree with Catherine's interpretive translation. In fact, the six volume The New Testament Greek-English Dictionary, World Library Press, has an extensive article on this word. Included is this statement: "A fourth view presented by Catherine Kroeger ("Ancient Heresies," p.13) and recently adopted by Barbara Cook (Ordinary Woman, pp.164-178), states that authenteo refers to involvement in fertility practices and the activity of cultic priestesses in Ephesus. Douglas Moo's response is that such a usage of the term is "nowhere attested in the Classical and Hellenistic period" (Moo, "1 Timothy 2:11-15: Meaning and Significance," p.67). This interpretation is based on the fallacy that a word must mean the same as its cognates. A recent article (1984) by George Knight ("Authenteo in Reference to Women") thoroughly analyzes the occurrences of authenteo, and shows that in its earliest uses (First Century B.C. to Second Century A.D.) it means simply "to have authority." "The authority in view in the documents is understood to be a positive concept and is in no way regarded as having any overtones of misuse of position or power, i.e., 'to domineer'" (pp.150-151). . . . Paul did not permit women in Ephesus to have authority of any sort over men. The problem at Ephesus was that many influential women were being persuaded by false teachers and were "going about from house to house . . . saying things they ought not to" (1 Timothy 5:13, NIV). In 2:11 Paul exhorted these women to learn and be in full submission. These two injunctions exactly parallel the prohibitions "to teach" and "to have authority" in verse 12."
8. Paul is teaching that a woman should not teach or have authority over a man. He then gives us the reason, the structure of the creation order. Adam was formed, then Eve. Eve was given as his helper and partner. Authority vested in man is as old as creation. It is not the result of the fall, although the wrong exercise of authority resulted in the fall. Further, woman was first deceived. What's the point in saying this? Woman is called the weaker vessel in 1 Peter 3:7, "Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered." But they are only weaker in certain respects. She was deceived because of this weakness. Paul is speaking of a general principle. I think it is a woman's greater sensitivity to relationships and spiritual things which also makes her more vulnerable to being deceived. That seems to be why satan chose to tempt her rather than Adam. Positively, because of a woman's greater sensitivity to relationships and spiritual things, women make up a greater proportion of all the congregations I have ever been in. But, again, this sensitivity predisposes them to emotional and spiritual influences of good and evil. I think that is what 2 Ti 3:6-7 alludes to, "For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, 7 always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth."
9. Men, with more of a tendency to be tough minded and questioning, are less apt to receive a spiritual blessing but also less likely to be deceived. Consequently, God gives men who prove themselves in family leadership the authority to protect and lead the church. This is validated further when we look at the confusion in Corinth. The church was in a state of confusion. Apparently the church was under poor leadership. In the midst of a statement about order in the church, Paul speaks about the order in all the churches.
10. In 1 Co 14:33b-37 he speaks about this matter of authority. "As in all the churches of the saints, 34 let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says. 35 And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is shameful for women to speak in church. 36 Or did the word of God come originally from you? Or was it you only that it reached? 37 If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord."
11. You're the man of the house. I would suggest that you lovingly speak to your wife about this issue and lead your family to another church which is more biblical in its doctrine.
12. In Christ,
13. Bob Hill
Question: Should a woman teach college-age guys?
- Sent: Monday, April 23, 2001 4:05 PM
- Mr. Hill or Obidiah (whoever gets my question)
- Hi, my name is Scott,
- First off I would like to say that I have found your
- site very interesting. I visit it often.
- I am attending a college age youth group that has
- sparked some concern. There are people that range from
- the ages of 15 through 25. At this youth group the
- preacher allows women to preach. A friend of mine told
- me that she did not believe that women should be
- preaching. He said that it says in the bible that
- women are not suppose to preach or teach men. I was
- wondering if this is really true or not? The question
- that came to my mind is, whether or not a woman can
- teach sunday school. When I asked my friend she said
- that children are not the age of men yet. (which of
- course makes sense) So my second question is: At what
- age is a man considered a man? Are college aged guys
- considered to be men? or are they not men yet, and
- should a woman preach to a college aged audience? I
- would appreciate any input or help on the subject. I
- wouldn't want to be a part of a church that is not
- following what the Bible says. Thankyou, and I hope to
- hear from you.
- God bless,
- Scott
Answer - Click here to view the answer
1. Dear Scott,
2. I agree with your concern. In our church, we have arbitrarily made an age
3. limit based on a young man's level of education. We will not allow a woman
4. to teach a man who is out of highschool. We understand this is an arbitrary
5. decision. In the past we did not allow a woman to teach highschool boys, but
6. we believe the maturity level of young men has declined in the last 30
7. years. I think that women can minister in many ways to a youth group like
8. the one you described, but, as you know, the Bible forbids it in a number of
9. places. The main passage that forbids a woman to teach or have authority
10. over a man in a church situation is 1 Ti 2:11-14: "Let a woman learn in
11. silence with all submission. 12 And I do not permit a woman to teach or to
12. have authority over a man, but to be in silence. 13 For Adam was formed
13. first, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived,
14. fell into transgression."
15. In Christ,
16. Bob Hill
Question: Should we leave or should we try to resolve these matters?
- From: Norman & Marguerite Jones
- Sent: Wednesday, January 31, 2001 8:36 AM
- Subject: Should we leave or should we try to resolve these matters?
- Our pastor just resigned and to say the least we are struggling. There are a lot of denominational issues in our church. We are a Baptist church and the men are loving Christians, but are young and have limited understanding of certain scriptures. There is one teacher in our church who is a Calvinist, there are about 3 other men who do not take issue with charismatic doctrine and welcome it and are in the position of becoming elders. Three years ago when we moved here, one thing that drew my husband and myself to this church was the freedom it seemed to exhibit as a "Baptist church", however, now the freedom seems to be drifting in murky waters. In discussing the matters of our church my husband feels he would rather I shared how I felt about certain issues, because he can't express what is in my heart the way I can, We both agree and he said I have his blessing to share my heart, however my voice, as I understand it is silenced. Again, please help!!!!
- You need to understand also that the fact that I am writing this letter to you is troubling to me also, because I am concerned about who I should go to for answers. However, my husband is not a scholar and for me to expect him to be a scholar would most definitely cause me to judge him. I hope you can realize by the tone of this letter, how desperately I need answers. I anxiously await your reply. I pray you will give me Godly council. Thank you so much for your site on the net. It has already been a blessing.
- Margo
Answer - Click here to view the answer
1. Margo,
2. I don’t normally advise someone to leave their church, but under these conditions, you may have to visit some other Bible churches in you area. Where do you folks live? I may have some suggestions.
3. The Calvinist and charismatic things may become serious. No church is perfect. If I found one, and then joined, then it wouldn’t be perfect. But there are some loving churches out there that teach God’s word and emphasis a loving relationship with God. See if you can find one of those.
4. I’ll pray that you and your husband will be filled with the wisdom that God wants you to have.
5. In Christ,
6. Bob
Question: Why, in the Bible, did they ask the women to be silent in relation to causing confusion?
- From: Norman & Marguerite Jones
  Sent: Wednesday, January 31, 2001 8:36 AM
  Subject: My voice---what is it for?
  Dear Bob,
- I am a Christian who is rather frustrated about where and when I may speak. Every time I wants to say anything, my mouth is afraid to speak, to the point of feeling inferior in the church. I have just this past week, through God's intervention I believe, come across your site on the net. I have gotten no answers so far to my Delia. I did heard your explanation of women being silent, and I am not opposed to following Gods instructions, but I would like you to expound on when you feel a women has a voice. Why, in the Bible, did they ask the women to be silent in relation to causing confusion? I feel I need to give you a little background of what is going on. One Sunday night our church had a meeting about choosing another pastor. At the meeting our pastor asked the women not to speak because it would cause confusion. Now I know where he is coming from, but I also know that if any women would have gotten up and made a statement, that would not have caused confusion. On the contrary, the only confusion I felt was caused by that statement the pastor made... the women should not speak because it will cause confusion. There has got to be more concerning this issue. Something is missing. I need some help on this, PLEASE!!!!! I am confused.
Answer: (click here to view the answer)
1. Dear Margo,
2. Let me cut and paste a portion of our constitution.
3. ARTICLE VI MEETINGS
4. 1. The annual business meeting of this church shall be held in January.
5. 2. Special business meetings of this church may be called at any time if notice is given at the Sunday morning service preceding the meeting. If the business for which the meeting is called involves consideration of large amounts of money or the pastoral relationship, notice of the business to be conducted shall be given two Sundays in advance.
6. 3. A quorum shall consist of those members present.
7. 4. Roberts Rules of Order, Revised, shall be the basis for procedure of all congregational business meetings unless otherwise stated in this constitution and by-laws.
8. 5. Women shall be silent during the exposition of the scriptures to the assembly. Women shall not teach or have authority over a man (1 Ti 2:12). We understand this whole issue to be a matter of authority. She may teach children through senior high and ladies. She may take part in Bible studies, care groups, Sunday school classes and the services except as noted (1 Co 14:34,35 and context; 1 Ti 2:11-15; 1 Co 11:1-16).
9. When we read the context of 1 Co 14:34,35, we find that it is talking about the church services. The women are supposed to be quiet at those times. I encourage questions during my sermons quite often. Women may ask questions as well as men, but I would say that I am in control at that time. The Scripture verses listed above are fairly difficult to interpret consistently, and we do believe it is based on the authority that God laid down in Gen 3. No women preachers, except to women. But we encourage our women to help us plan all kinds of things. Our Elders’ wives meet as a group as well as we Elders meet. We value highly our women and their input. They are more relational, in general, and are the hardest workers in all the churches I’ve observed.
10. In Christ,
11. Bob